Chateau Margaux is a famous wine estate in the Medoc region, which along with Lafite, Latour and Haut Brion, was rated a First Growth in the original 1855 Bordeaux Classification. It covers 262 hectares, of which 82 hectares are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, and 12 hectares to Sauvignon Blanc.

In the 12th century, the property was called “La Mothe de Margaux” (the Margaux mound) and by the 16th century, wine was being produced at the estate. In 1705, the London Gazette advertised the first auction of 230 barrels of “Margose” and the 1771 vintage was the first “claret” to appear in a Christie’s catalogue. Indeed one of America’s Founding Fathers and vintner in his own right, Thomas Jefferson, visited this great estate in the late 18th century and declared it to be a vineyard of “first quality”. When Bertrand Douat, Marquis de la Colonilla, acquired the estate, he built the chateau that is often nicknamed the “Versailles of the Medoc”, a rare example of the neo-palladian style in France.

Andre Mentzelopoulos purchased the property in 1977, investing heavily in the estate and a program of improvements. Since his death in 1980, the property has been run by his daughter Corinne who continued his work in restoring the chateau to its former glory.

Since the 17th Century, the grand vin of Chateau Margaux has been recognized as one of the greatest wines in the entire world. It owes its unique qualities to the genius of its terroir as well as to the passionate work of a succession of generations. It’s a remarkable wine that comes from a combination of characteristics that are only rarely found: finesse, elegance, complexity, density, intensity, length and freshness. Although its tannic concentration may be exceptional, it’s rare to detect astringency.

The great vintages are distinguished by their formidable ability to move us, while the lesser vintages give pleasure to wine enthusiasts. Chateau Margaux has an extraordinary ability to evolve with age, developing finesse, aromatic aromatic complexity, and a remarkable presence on the palate.

The 2023 Chateau Margaux Bordeaux Blend has garnered impressive reviews from several esteemed wine critics, making it a standout in its vintage. This red wine, produced in the renowned Bordeaux region of France by Chateau Margaux, features a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine is cork-sealed and has achieved notable recognition for its quality and craftsmanship.

James Suckling awarded the wine a perfect score of 100 points, describing it as "one of the wines of the vintage." He noted the primary aromas reminiscent of fermenting grape must, which evolve into "perfumes and flowers" such as violets and roses. Suckling praised its full-bodied yet agile profile, with vivid acidity making the wine "crunchy and linear." He emphasized its "weightless" nature and remarked on the wine's embodiment of the estate's DNA (jamessuckling.com).

Antonio Galloni from Vinous also gave the 2023 Chateau Margaux a perfect score, highlighting its "sensual, silky, and exceptionally polished" characteristics. Galloni appreciated the seamless integration of silky tannins and the core of dark red/purplish fruit, along with hints of spice, new leather, menthol, licorice, and rose petal. He remarked on the subtle new oak presence, which he believed would integrate well over time (Vinous).

The Wine Advocate's William Kelley scored the wine at 97 points, commending its "considerable promise" and "classically structured" profile with sweet, refined tannins and lively acids. Kelley noted the wine's "taut, concentrated" nature and its long, mouthwatering finish (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).

Jane Anson and Decanter both rated the wine at 98 points. Anson described it as having a "vibrant peony and ruby red colour" with a complex blend of lavender and white rose flowers. She praised its "exceptionally good quality" and the superb winemaking by Philippe Bascaules. Decanter highlighted the wine's "herbal nose" with blackcurrant leaf, bramble fruit, dark chocolate, and violets. The wine was described as "charming, gentle yet lively," with a wonderful texture and depth (janeanson.com, Decanter).

Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider and Jeb Dunnuck both gave the 2023 Chateau Margaux a perfect score. Leve described the wine as "in competition for wine of the vintage" with a "haunting aromatic profile" and a "seamless finish" that resonates for 60 seconds. Dunnuck compared it to the 1996 vintage, praising its density, depth, sweet tannins, and charm (TheWineCellarInsider.com, jebdunnuck.com).

In summary, the 2023 Chateau Margaux Bordeaux Blend has been lauded for its exceptional quality, refined structure, and vibrant flavors, making it a notable and highly recommended wine in its vintage.